Hello fellow basenji lovers! 
My name is Lauren, and I must say that I am thrilled to have found this forum. This seems like such a wonderful community from what posts I have read.
I have been absolutely in love with these dogs for as long as I can remember.
Unfortunately, I?m sorry to say that I may be the only member that does not own (and has never owned) a basenji!
I am hoping to change that within a few years and adopt a dog(or dogs) of my own, but for now I will enjoy reading the stories and comments of others on the forum.
Welcome and please join us and read all you want that away when your ready for your B you will really be ready. They are great dog's but I have to say they have there own way about them.
Rita Jean
hi Lauren - big welcomes to you! 
Good for you for wanting to do 'the work' (look for good breeders, read up on the breed) BEFORE you get a basenji. I was on this forum for a year reading posts and asking questions before we finally got Kipawa from a wonderful breeder.
I might also suggest that you attend some dog shows you can get to, to meet the breeders and see their basenjis. Remember, most basenjis also have one litter a year, with puppies most often ready to go to their new homes in the spring.
When the time comes for you to get your b, you might also want to consider BRAT - Basenji Rescue and Transport. Here is the link: http://www.basenjirescue.org/
Looking forward to your comments and questions.
Glad you found us. There are a lot of us who are "related" by dogs here.
We look forward to helping with your search.
Welcome to the forum Lauren. I fell in love with this breed, researched and waited a year before the arrival of my dearest Scarlett. I hope you learn alot on this forum and find the Basenji of your dreams…they make every day a joy!
Welocme to the forum LAuren.. COngratualtions, you are very lucky because you get to learn a lot about basenjis, specially who to NOT get them from when you do decide to get one, and everything you need to look out for. It can mean the difference between a really great experience, and a bad one. Most of us, came in to the forum after we got our puppies, and learned a lot about how to better care for our beloved puppies but also lots of things we probably should have done different to begin with. So good for you. Here you will find the best advice on basenjis and great friends!
Welcome Lauren! Whereabouts are you in California?
If you're anywhere near the Bay Area, there's a monthly basenji meetup I can point you towards.
To Everyone: Thank you so much for the welcome!!!
@Rita:
Welcome and please join us and read all you want that away when your ready for your B you will really be ready. They are great dog's but I have to say they have there own way about them.
Rita Jean
Thanks, Rita! They certainly do have their own way, it?s part of their charm.
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Kipawa,
Yes, I?ve always been adamant about doing the research before getting any pet. I volunteer at my local SPCA, where I have encountered too many cases of a mismatch between owner and pet. I think I?ve come to the right place, so I am very happy to be a part of this forum.
Visiting a dog show is definitely on my to-do list! I have been to a show once, but never saw a basenji. 
BRAT is wonderful–it?s actually the first place I came to in my research. When the time comes, I would really love to adopt a rescue.
curlytails,
A monthly basenji meetup sounds great!
I currently live around Monterey(which we call the Bay Area), but if you meant the SF area, I may be transferring to a college there.
~Lauren
Yes, I do mean the SF Bay Area. Specifically the East Bay, for the meetups.
If you do find yourself in the area and would like a chance to meet a bunch of Basenjis to get a feel for their different ranges in personalities, there's a group that convenes at Pt. Isabel in Richmond about once a month.
Welcome to the forum and I'm oreety sure you're not the only one without a Basenji yet. It's a very good idea to join the forum before getting your B - there is plebty of advice here.
Welcome to the forum. It's great to browse around and you can pick up many helpful suggestions, and lots of advice - some of which you may or may not want to "hear." As a friend of mine has said, basenjis are beautiful, great dogs to have and love, but they are often off in a world of their own.:p
Welcome to the forum! I hope you learn alot here! I know I sure did I joined also with no B companion and a Basenji mix happened to come into my life recently. He isn't officially mine yet (we have some things to work out) and i'm still posting up signs for his owners who were unfortunate to loose him. But we'll see how it plays out. Never feel left out because you dont have a Basenji one will find you someway somehow Just act like a sponge for now and learn about the habits and health concerns. You can also read BRATs information its a great referance
hey, you could get your feet wet by volunteering to foster or transport Basenjis! Go to BRAT web site and sign up. ALSO, go to dog shows and meet some basenjis. We have california breeders and owners here so you can get some hands on!
http://basenjirescue.org/volunteer.asp
